Hi again:)
Well we had another very eventful week last week. You can never predict what the days will bring here! Ever!
I've had an amazing week though!
Monday we had a valentines party with the children at the open day centre which was so much fun. The kids had a talent competition/beauty pageant to see who would be mr and mrs valentine; and we got to judge. The kids loved it! Heidi preached as well which was really good.
Tuesday we just had a nice day playing games n singing with the kids (that was after getting 'lost-ish' on our way there; just got on the wrong jeepney, but managed to find our way - we're becoming more n more pro by the day haha).
Wednesday, a medically mission team called operation blessing came to odc for the day. They were a team of doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, pastors and lots more. We had bout 120 children come for a complete health check up. It was so busy! I was able to work on the pharmacy desk which was a challenge to say the least!!! Everything was in Tagalog and I was having to try n read the doctors atrocious handwriting and shorthand, and fill in forms, and give out the correct medicine! Don't actually know how I managed to do it to be honest. But it was an amazing day. Can't wait till I can be one of those doctors.
Heidi was on the counseling team and was able to pray with the children and speak to them openly about Jesus.
Thursday and Friday we spent time out on the streets! I was able to take the medical kit and do first aid while we were out! It was amazing! It was so needed because there was one girl who had wounds all over her legs and she had knocked a lot of them while we were there and was in a lot of pain. I was able to clean and dress the wounds but bless her, she was distraught! Thankfully Heidi cradled and calmed her while I did what I could. We felt everything with her! I'm so glad that I was able to do it though.
We also taught the kids a song and Heidi came up with a sermon on the spot. She's amazing at doing that!:)
It was one girls birthday and her sponsor had come from abroad to throw her a birthday party. There were games, songs, food, balloons:) it was lovely. She was so happy. She was 12 and had never had a birthday party before. I just wanted to cry when I heard that. It's amazing what we take for granted.
In the evening we went out on the streets again with Wilma and we were still out at 10pm. I was doing first aid in the dark! Was just an amazing experience!! That day has got to be one of the best days we've had.
I have finally become a victim of the dreaded head lice! Haha:) well maybe not so dreaded. I haven't had nits since I was at primary school! I have to say I'm surprised we haven't had them earlier. Went to get some treatment and a nit comb the other day - my hair has never been so soft in its life!!! Haha
Staying in the shalom has been very nice, but it's lovely to be back at Benitez now. Feels like we've moved back home.
Really don't want to leave this place. Can't believe that 28th february is approaching so fast. Please pray that we can enjoy our last week and not have the 'end date' hanging over us. We've got a lot more painting lined up for this week so please also pray that we will have enough time to finish it all.
Please also pray for the secondhand shop as it has just opened. (Heidi n I went to see it today and it looks very impressive.) Particularly for the boys working there, the next container shipment and for Sol as she continues to make important decisions.
Lots of love as always
Sarah xxxx
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Congratulations K SEM's Kafe
Hi again:)
I can't actually believe how it seems to be getting hotter by the day here! We are definitely entering summer now and thinking back, it makes the first few weeks in January feel really cool (shame we were still getting used to the heat then). But God is good; as for the next week we have air conditioning!!!:D This morning we moved back into the Shalom, which actually feels like we have taken a step back in time and are missing Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec very much, it doesn't quite feel right not having them around in the Shalom! We will be staying here for the next week before moving back to Benitez for our last week (I am trying not to think that far ahead though)! It will be very nice to have hot showers (well, luke warm ones anyway...don't think we'll ever need hot ones here), air con, a tv, cereal for breakfast and a few little home comforts for a week:)
I can't believe that it has been a week since I wrote the last blog! Time is going so quickly and so much seems to happen. Monday was the official opening of the coffee shop. K SEM's Kafe:)
We drove down early with Ate Jane and three of the girls from Pacita, as they were performing a few dances and songs. We stopped off at the Malate Centre for lunch; all the staff were there as they had just finished staff devotion. It was so nice to see them all, and be greeted by all the children. I don't think the children had understood that we would be coming back as they were so surprised to see us, it really felt like we had just popped home for an hour. After only a week we were missing them all so much! It was so special! We also got to meet two Danish volunteers who had flown in the day before. They seem lovely. It was nice to impart some 'wisdom' (if you can call it that haha) to them.
For the opening, K SEM's was packed. There were so many people there, you could hardly move. The place looked beautiful! Everyone had worked so hard on it. Outside they had two huge bouquets of flowers and they officially cut a red ribbon to open it:) we have so many pictures;) The presentation was then started with thanking everyone who has been involved with the coffee shop and at the top of that list was The Streetlight Trust. Heidi and I felt very honoured to be able to represent Streetlight! Everything went so smoothly and we had some fantastic performances from the Girls home and the Boys home (which also included Heidi and I performing Shackles with the girls from Pacita) and some lovely speeches and prayers. I just want to say a massive congratulations to everyone who has been involved in making K SEM's Kafe become a reality and pass on a big thank you to everyone for giving your support in prayer and financially.
It is absolutely amazing to see what God is doing here, seeing Kanlungan grow before our very eyes. I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it.
Next step is the secondhand shop, so please keep praying for that too.
It was hard saying goodbye to the girls at Pacita this morning as we have had a wonderful time with them! On Friday night we accompanied some of the older girls to their youth fellowship evening at church. It was such a good evening!! They were all so welcoming! They had some worship, games and a Bible study. All the girls seem to be in their element; hosting games and leading groups, they all get stuck in! Heidi was able to play a song which they loved:) and the band there were able to jam along, which she loved. The atmosphere was awesome! It was also nice to spend time in small groups for the Bible study and hear how passionate they are about God and see how eager they are to learn more and more. It was a great evening.
As the girls have such long days at school, and then have chores when they get home, we have only actually seen them in the evenings in the week, so when it got to Saturday again we were really excited to spend the whole day with them. We did some more singing with them in the morning. Heidi is in her element and has been putting together different medleys for them. I think she would have liked to start a 'Pacita Choir':) it was just nice to spend time with the girls and (not forgetting) the little boys there.
We did spend the rest of the afternoon washing clothes; but I have to say that the girls couldn't seem to believe that we wash our own clothes, which I wasn't sure how to take haha. In actual fact we both quite enjoy it, it's quite therapeutic and definitely the way to go when we go to uni haha:)
Our last evening there was such fun. We bought sweets for them and watched a film together. We had such a laugh and it really felt like we were part of their family. I really am going to miss them all so much!
I am sorry to say that my Tagalog is not coming on as I would have liked it to haha. The girls are very good teachers (and can be quite harsh I might say) but even the basics I am struggling with:( Heidi on the other hand is picking it up really well:) Thankfully the little that I do know comes in very helpful with using Jeepneys. We have managed to commute to and from Tunasan everyday. By ourselves!!!:) Praise God that it has all worked out fine. We even spent an hour on one the other day after taking some of the children to buy new shoes.
We did have one day that we had to return to Pacita early as both Heidi and I were ill, it turned out to be food poisoning and some of the girls and staff had it too, so must have been something we'd eaten the night before. We did think that it was quite an achievement to get this far into the trip before being ill!:)
Heidi has now come down with a cold so please do pray for her, that she will recover from it quickly.
We are so grateful for your prayers and for your lovely messages! We love to read them.
Thank you
Love
Sarah x
I can't actually believe how it seems to be getting hotter by the day here! We are definitely entering summer now and thinking back, it makes the first few weeks in January feel really cool (shame we were still getting used to the heat then). But God is good; as for the next week we have air conditioning!!!:D This morning we moved back into the Shalom, which actually feels like we have taken a step back in time and are missing Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec very much, it doesn't quite feel right not having them around in the Shalom! We will be staying here for the next week before moving back to Benitez for our last week (I am trying not to think that far ahead though)! It will be very nice to have hot showers (well, luke warm ones anyway...don't think we'll ever need hot ones here), air con, a tv, cereal for breakfast and a few little home comforts for a week:)
I can't believe that it has been a week since I wrote the last blog! Time is going so quickly and so much seems to happen. Monday was the official opening of the coffee shop. K SEM's Kafe:)
We drove down early with Ate Jane and three of the girls from Pacita, as they were performing a few dances and songs. We stopped off at the Malate Centre for lunch; all the staff were there as they had just finished staff devotion. It was so nice to see them all, and be greeted by all the children. I don't think the children had understood that we would be coming back as they were so surprised to see us, it really felt like we had just popped home for an hour. After only a week we were missing them all so much! It was so special! We also got to meet two Danish volunteers who had flown in the day before. They seem lovely. It was nice to impart some 'wisdom' (if you can call it that haha) to them.
For the opening, K SEM's was packed. There were so many people there, you could hardly move. The place looked beautiful! Everyone had worked so hard on it. Outside they had two huge bouquets of flowers and they officially cut a red ribbon to open it:) we have so many pictures;) The presentation was then started with thanking everyone who has been involved with the coffee shop and at the top of that list was The Streetlight Trust. Heidi and I felt very honoured to be able to represent Streetlight! Everything went so smoothly and we had some fantastic performances from the Girls home and the Boys home (which also included Heidi and I performing Shackles with the girls from Pacita) and some lovely speeches and prayers. I just want to say a massive congratulations to everyone who has been involved in making K SEM's Kafe become a reality and pass on a big thank you to everyone for giving your support in prayer and financially.
It is absolutely amazing to see what God is doing here, seeing Kanlungan grow before our very eyes. I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it.
Next step is the secondhand shop, so please keep praying for that too.
It was hard saying goodbye to the girls at Pacita this morning as we have had a wonderful time with them! On Friday night we accompanied some of the older girls to their youth fellowship evening at church. It was such a good evening!! They were all so welcoming! They had some worship, games and a Bible study. All the girls seem to be in their element; hosting games and leading groups, they all get stuck in! Heidi was able to play a song which they loved:) and the band there were able to jam along, which she loved. The atmosphere was awesome! It was also nice to spend time in small groups for the Bible study and hear how passionate they are about God and see how eager they are to learn more and more. It was a great evening.
As the girls have such long days at school, and then have chores when they get home, we have only actually seen them in the evenings in the week, so when it got to Saturday again we were really excited to spend the whole day with them. We did some more singing with them in the morning. Heidi is in her element and has been putting together different medleys for them. I think she would have liked to start a 'Pacita Choir':) it was just nice to spend time with the girls and (not forgetting) the little boys there.
We did spend the rest of the afternoon washing clothes; but I have to say that the girls couldn't seem to believe that we wash our own clothes, which I wasn't sure how to take haha. In actual fact we both quite enjoy it, it's quite therapeutic and definitely the way to go when we go to uni haha:)
Our last evening there was such fun. We bought sweets for them and watched a film together. We had such a laugh and it really felt like we were part of their family. I really am going to miss them all so much!
I am sorry to say that my Tagalog is not coming on as I would have liked it to haha. The girls are very good teachers (and can be quite harsh I might say) but even the basics I am struggling with:( Heidi on the other hand is picking it up really well:) Thankfully the little that I do know comes in very helpful with using Jeepneys. We have managed to commute to and from Tunasan everyday. By ourselves!!!:) Praise God that it has all worked out fine. We even spent an hour on one the other day after taking some of the children to buy new shoes.
We did have one day that we had to return to Pacita early as both Heidi and I were ill, it turned out to be food poisoning and some of the girls and staff had it too, so must have been something we'd eaten the night before. We did think that it was quite an achievement to get this far into the trip before being ill!:)
Heidi has now come down with a cold so please do pray for her, that she will recover from it quickly.
We are so grateful for your prayers and for your lovely messages! We love to read them.
Thank you
Love
Sarah x
Saturday, February 5, 2011
News from Sarah ...
Hey :)
Just to update you on what's happening here.
So we are settled in laguna and loving it. The girls and staff have really welcomed us.
We have had to get used to not having showers here, instead it's a bucket:) but we are embracing the experiences. We haven't had internet for a few days as the bill wasn't able to be paid on time; but it's up and running again so we are once again in contact with the rest of the world haha.
Before moving to laguna on Tuesday evening we accompanied ODC and tunasan to Trinity University for a talent competition. It was a really good day out on all parts. Tunasan were entering the cultural category. They all wore beautiful outfits and danced a traditional Filipino dance. We have it all recorded!:) I am very pleased to report that they took, a very well deserved, first place!:D congratulations to them!
We went back to the Malate centre to pick up our bags and say a quick 'see you soon' to the children and the staff there. I am so pleased that we didn't have to say our goodbyes to them then because I don't think I could have done it! I'm so please that we still have another three weeks left. We are missing the children in Manila already. It will be nice to go back next Monday and have another two weeks with them:)
In the daytime, we have spent our time at tunasan. The first day we were able to help the children with their homework, and I was able to use my maths skills (which came back to me quite quickly - I was quite impressed) to help an older girl. It was really nice to see when she actually understood something I had taught her; it was difficult stuff!
We did paper folding with the kids on thursday, which can be more difficult than you would expect; but we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.
Friday we went to the dumpsite where we had been in the week that Mary, Mela, Alec and Jess were with us. We helped prepare food for the feeding program and then took it to them. It started raining so we gave the food out quickly and returned to the Jeepney. However, the brakes on the Jeepney had broken so we were stuck there for over two hours while they tired to fix them. The children came and played with us while we waited. They absolutely love having their pictures taken. It's really funny:)
Thankfully the driver was able to fix everything and we were able to get home in the dark.
Yesterday we had a lovely day with the girls. In the morning we did some singing and hair braiding with them - which they loved!
Heidi and I decided in the afternoon to be brave and walk to the supermarket/mall on our own. God really gave us peace about it, we have found being on our own quite a daunting experience as we get payed far too much attention for our liking. But God is good and we had a very nice relaxing time.
The rest of the day we just relaxed with the girls and got to know them. It was lovely to chat and sing with them:)
We performed 'Shackles' (the song we taught them yesterday) with some of the girls in church this morning. It was a lovely church service - mostly in Tagalog, but some English, so I was able to understand quite a lot of it.
I have also really enjoyed joining in with the devotions in an evening. It's amazing to see the passion that they have for God. They are definitely an inspiring bunch and we are very privileged to be welcomed into this family.
Just a quick prayer request. Heidi and I have got to make our own way to and from tunasan this coming week and at the moment we are quite nervous about it so please pray that the journeys will be smooth and we'll feel confident enough to do it.
Also for Heidi's insect bites as they are driving her mad.
And for the coffee shop opening on monday.
Thank you for your support and prayers as always.
Love Sarah xx
Just to update you on what's happening here.
So we are settled in laguna and loving it. The girls and staff have really welcomed us.
We have had to get used to not having showers here, instead it's a bucket:) but we are embracing the experiences. We haven't had internet for a few days as the bill wasn't able to be paid on time; but it's up and running again so we are once again in contact with the rest of the world haha.
Before moving to laguna on Tuesday evening we accompanied ODC and tunasan to Trinity University for a talent competition. It was a really good day out on all parts. Tunasan were entering the cultural category. They all wore beautiful outfits and danced a traditional Filipino dance. We have it all recorded!:) I am very pleased to report that they took, a very well deserved, first place!:D congratulations to them!
We went back to the Malate centre to pick up our bags and say a quick 'see you soon' to the children and the staff there. I am so pleased that we didn't have to say our goodbyes to them then because I don't think I could have done it! I'm so please that we still have another three weeks left. We are missing the children in Manila already. It will be nice to go back next Monday and have another two weeks with them:)
In the daytime, we have spent our time at tunasan. The first day we were able to help the children with their homework, and I was able to use my maths skills (which came back to me quite quickly - I was quite impressed) to help an older girl. It was really nice to see when she actually understood something I had taught her; it was difficult stuff!
We did paper folding with the kids on thursday, which can be more difficult than you would expect; but we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.
Friday we went to the dumpsite where we had been in the week that Mary, Mela, Alec and Jess were with us. We helped prepare food for the feeding program and then took it to them. It started raining so we gave the food out quickly and returned to the Jeepney. However, the brakes on the Jeepney had broken so we were stuck there for over two hours while they tired to fix them. The children came and played with us while we waited. They absolutely love having their pictures taken. It's really funny:)
Thankfully the driver was able to fix everything and we were able to get home in the dark.
Yesterday we had a lovely day with the girls. In the morning we did some singing and hair braiding with them - which they loved!
Heidi and I decided in the afternoon to be brave and walk to the supermarket/mall on our own. God really gave us peace about it, we have found being on our own quite a daunting experience as we get payed far too much attention for our liking. But God is good and we had a very nice relaxing time.
The rest of the day we just relaxed with the girls and got to know them. It was lovely to chat and sing with them:)
We performed 'Shackles' (the song we taught them yesterday) with some of the girls in church this morning. It was a lovely church service - mostly in Tagalog, but some English, so I was able to understand quite a lot of it.
I have also really enjoyed joining in with the devotions in an evening. It's amazing to see the passion that they have for God. They are definitely an inspiring bunch and we are very privileged to be welcomed into this family.
Just a quick prayer request. Heidi and I have got to make our own way to and from tunasan this coming week and at the moment we are quite nervous about it so please pray that the journeys will be smooth and we'll feel confident enough to do it.
Also for Heidi's insect bites as they are driving her mad.
And for the coffee shop opening on monday.
Thank you for your support and prayers as always.
Love Sarah xx
Monday, January 31, 2011
Heidi writes ...
Well we have just got used to life in Benitez and we moving on again!!!! This week we have completed the healthy eating painting which looks ace if I do say so myself- me and Sarah make an amazing team! Also we have been at the ODC every afternoon working with children, singing and generally having a laugh with them. On Friday we experienced getting lost which was hilarious we didn't panic at all God is so good we had our phone and rung kid and he came to our rescue:) it was an experience lol
On Saturday it was party day!!! Me and Sarah split for the morning... I went to ODC to conduct the song we had taught the children for the January birthday party which was a lot of fun and Sarah stayed at Benitez for the formal birthday presentation of an important sponsor who celebrates with the children every year. We then went to the mall to escape children for the afternoon!!!
Sunday after church we went to a rich part of the city called makarti which is full of designer malls and foreigners so we fit in well- it was nice to have a break from feeling like all eyes are on us, that has been getting me down recently and is why I'm still not 100% comfortable getting around the city but we have lots of lovely concerned people looking after us:)
The coffee shop is great ,amazing food and coffee we are very loyal customers along with a growing number of new people, there's good profit being taken:) also I'm proud to say that mine and sarah's design is hanging outside the store as a massive sign!!! Woop :)
Tomorrow the odc and tunisan kids are involved in a music competition festival type event at the trinity university of Asia which should be lots of fun so please send a cheer for Kanlungan our way- it would be lovely to gain a trophey to add to the collection they have:) then it's off to laguna to work with the girls for two weeks:)
Please pray- that we will settle in again , that our confidence in being independent will grow and that our relationships with staff and young people will continue to develop.
For Ate sol as she has soooooooo much going on at the moment starting new businesses like the cafe and the second hand shop is complex!!! We are having issues with government documents in accepting a shipment of stuff for the shop- It's complicated so please pray that God will have his hand upon it and it will be sorted quickly- also for ksem's grand opening this Saturday- that the business permit will be through in time:)
Many thanks for the constant prayerful love and support. Heidi xxx
On Saturday it was party day!!! Me and Sarah split for the morning... I went to ODC to conduct the song we had taught the children for the January birthday party which was a lot of fun and Sarah stayed at Benitez for the formal birthday presentation of an important sponsor who celebrates with the children every year. We then went to the mall to escape children for the afternoon!!!
Sunday after church we went to a rich part of the city called makarti which is full of designer malls and foreigners so we fit in well- it was nice to have a break from feeling like all eyes are on us, that has been getting me down recently and is why I'm still not 100% comfortable getting around the city but we have lots of lovely concerned people looking after us:)
The coffee shop is great ,amazing food and coffee we are very loyal customers along with a growing number of new people, there's good profit being taken:) also I'm proud to say that mine and sarah's design is hanging outside the store as a massive sign!!! Woop :)
Tomorrow the odc and tunisan kids are involved in a music competition festival type event at the trinity university of Asia which should be lots of fun so please send a cheer for Kanlungan our way- it would be lovely to gain a trophey to add to the collection they have:) then it's off to laguna to work with the girls for two weeks:)
Please pray- that we will settle in again , that our confidence in being independent will grow and that our relationships with staff and young people will continue to develop.
For Ate sol as she has soooooooo much going on at the moment starting new businesses like the cafe and the second hand shop is complex!!! We are having issues with government documents in accepting a shipment of stuff for the shop- It's complicated so please pray that God will have his hand upon it and it will be sorted quickly- also for ksem's grand opening this Saturday- that the business permit will be through in time:)
Many thanks for the constant prayerful love and support. Heidi xxx
Monday, January 24, 2011
Latest News from Sarah
Hi everyone,
Well, where do I start? Can't believe that we've already been in the Malate centre over a week now. After a difficult start, we are definitely settled into life here. I can't get over how much of a family it is here. Just sitting down round the television on friday evening with all the children and staff, whilst braiding the girls hair, was such a special experience. We feel so privileged to have been welcomed into this family; no matter how mad it can be at times haha:) I am really enjoying getting to know all the children, playing with them, doing little bible studies, singing, dancing, reading, crafts; the list is endless.
Heidi mentioned that there was a new little girl that joined on wednesday; I am very pleased to say that she has settled in very quickly. It's so nice to see her playing with the other kids, smiling and giggling.
The coffee shop had it's unofficial opening on Saturday which was very exciting. We spent the morning drinking coffee and eating cake. What an amazing way to spend a day off:) Heidi and I were also involved in the coffee machine training the other day. We drank far too much coffee that day and consequently we were up till 2am haha:) it shows how good the coffee is though!:)
This was our first weekend off and it has been an amazing one. We are so grateful to Kidrick, as he has taken us out to lots of different places. It's been so nice to just wander round shopping malls and just have some time to ourselves. We took him for an 'all you can eat' Filipino food which was an experience:) I'm getting quite brave with what I try! It was lovely to see the sea as well. I forget that we are very close to it. There is still no way that we would be able to get ourselves around the city by ourselves; Kid is a real blessing and a great friend.
Today we had staff devotion, which lasted two hours. It absolutely flew!! It was amazing to worship and have fellowship with all the staff. They are such an inspiration and each one of them shines so brightly here.
We have finally been able to start the wall painting this afternoon. Everyone has been so excited and they all wanted to come and watch. It's really fun but we haven't got that much of it done so far. Hopefully tomorrow we will. They have told us that we have been a real answer to pray as this wall has been prepared to paint on for a long time but they have had nobody to paint it. Heidi and I had only been saying the day before that we wanted to leave something behind:) God is good.
We are taking lots of photographs so can't wait to show you them.
Please pray that we continue to have the strength and energy we need as we are quite tired already. Also that God will use us in whatever he wants. Plus for the coffee shop, that the finishing touches can be completed quickly and that the business permit will come though very soon so it can open officially.
Thank you for your continued support.
Lots of love Sarah xx
Well, where do I start? Can't believe that we've already been in the Malate centre over a week now. After a difficult start, we are definitely settled into life here. I can't get over how much of a family it is here. Just sitting down round the television on friday evening with all the children and staff, whilst braiding the girls hair, was such a special experience. We feel so privileged to have been welcomed into this family; no matter how mad it can be at times haha:) I am really enjoying getting to know all the children, playing with them, doing little bible studies, singing, dancing, reading, crafts; the list is endless.
Heidi mentioned that there was a new little girl that joined on wednesday; I am very pleased to say that she has settled in very quickly. It's so nice to see her playing with the other kids, smiling and giggling.
The coffee shop had it's unofficial opening on Saturday which was very exciting. We spent the morning drinking coffee and eating cake. What an amazing way to spend a day off:) Heidi and I were also involved in the coffee machine training the other day. We drank far too much coffee that day and consequently we were up till 2am haha:) it shows how good the coffee is though!:)
This was our first weekend off and it has been an amazing one. We are so grateful to Kidrick, as he has taken us out to lots of different places. It's been so nice to just wander round shopping malls and just have some time to ourselves. We took him for an 'all you can eat' Filipino food which was an experience:) I'm getting quite brave with what I try! It was lovely to see the sea as well. I forget that we are very close to it. There is still no way that we would be able to get ourselves around the city by ourselves; Kid is a real blessing and a great friend.
Today we had staff devotion, which lasted two hours. It absolutely flew!! It was amazing to worship and have fellowship with all the staff. They are such an inspiration and each one of them shines so brightly here.
We have finally been able to start the wall painting this afternoon. Everyone has been so excited and they all wanted to come and watch. It's really fun but we haven't got that much of it done so far. Hopefully tomorrow we will. They have told us that we have been a real answer to pray as this wall has been prepared to paint on for a long time but they have had nobody to paint it. Heidi and I had only been saying the day before that we wanted to leave something behind:) God is good.
We are taking lots of photographs so can't wait to show you them.
Please pray that we continue to have the strength and energy we need as we are quite tired already. Also that God will use us in whatever he wants. Plus for the coffee shop, that the finishing touches can be completed quickly and that the business permit will come though very soon so it can open officially.
Thank you for your continued support.
Lots of love Sarah xx
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Latest News from Heidi & Sarah
Hey everyone!
So we have moved into the Malate centre which to be honest is proving to be even more challenging than expected, mainly because we feel bad just playing with the kids all the time while others stress around us, but i realise that that's what volunteers do so we should enjoy it and embrace the madness!!! We do have things planned to do though, we are doing a healthy eating painting on the dining room wall which will be a constant reminder of our visit which will be nice:) then in the mornings we do a bible study and some singing with the older kids while Joanne teaches the little ones, then after lunch it's off to the open day centre which I love!!! It's amazing there, the kids are wonderful and we are making some lovely relationships with them, yesterday after treating their head lice and singing some hillsong kids classics, kid (one of the social workers who is a huge support and good friend to us) took us to where the kids live near the red light district and behind the mall, it was good to see where they were coming from but hard to see at the same time:s.
Today we headed to immigration to sort out our visas as they run out this weekend, it was a nice break from the routine and we had a lovely time getting to know wilma over starbucks while they worked out whether we were on the blacklist or not- we are not lol so bad news we have to stay,sorry guys!!!
Today it has rained... Alot which we have loved, the sound of it on the windows has been very comforting, but I can't help wondering what pouring rain means for thousands living in the slums tonight sleeping in mud:( but what we found amusing was when we arrived with kid from the odc at Malate soaking wet, the staff insisted that we must get dry or risk a deathly fever- they really don't get that we are British and getting wet from rain is a daily occurrence! So we are dry and well now and are praying for what tomorrow will bring!!!
Please remember us in prayer-
We are majorly struggling to be understood even by staff which is hard.
For the coffee shop as it gets nearer to opening- the dedication on Saturday was beautiful, prayerful and moving.
For a new girl who has moved into the Malate today- she is 6 and very overwhelmed by the whole thing- pray that she settles in and is able to rest:)
Love and thanks. Heidi xxxxxx.
So we have moved into the Malate centre which to be honest is proving to be even more challenging than expected, mainly because we feel bad just playing with the kids all the time while others stress around us, but i realise that that's what volunteers do so we should enjoy it and embrace the madness!!! We do have things planned to do though, we are doing a healthy eating painting on the dining room wall which will be a constant reminder of our visit which will be nice:) then in the mornings we do a bible study and some singing with the older kids while Joanne teaches the little ones, then after lunch it's off to the open day centre which I love!!! It's amazing there, the kids are wonderful and we are making some lovely relationships with them, yesterday after treating their head lice and singing some hillsong kids classics, kid (one of the social workers who is a huge support and good friend to us) took us to where the kids live near the red light district and behind the mall, it was good to see where they were coming from but hard to see at the same time:s.
Today we headed to immigration to sort out our visas as they run out this weekend, it was a nice break from the routine and we had a lovely time getting to know wilma over starbucks while they worked out whether we were on the blacklist or not- we are not lol so bad news we have to stay,sorry guys!!!
Today it has rained... Alot which we have loved, the sound of it on the windows has been very comforting, but I can't help wondering what pouring rain means for thousands living in the slums tonight sleeping in mud:( but what we found amusing was when we arrived with kid from the odc at Malate soaking wet, the staff insisted that we must get dry or risk a deathly fever- they really don't get that we are British and getting wet from rain is a daily occurrence! So we are dry and well now and are praying for what tomorrow will bring!!!
Please remember us in prayer-
We are majorly struggling to be understood even by staff which is hard.
For the coffee shop as it gets nearer to opening- the dedication on Saturday was beautiful, prayerful and moving.
For a new girl who has moved into the Malate today- she is 6 and very overwhelmed by the whole thing- pray that she settles in and is able to rest:)
Love and thanks. Heidi xxxxxx.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Happy 23rd Anniversary Kanlungan
Hi everyone, it's Sarah.
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers, they are very much appreciated.
We've had a lovely day today taking 170 kids swimming. I have to admit I thought it was going to be a bit of a nightmare; but it was amazing! Everyone has had so much fun. The resort was absolutely perfect; and because we went on a friday, we were practically the only ones there. It was just fantastic to see the smiles on the children's faces; it will be the first time that some of them have been swimming.
I have to say that I have got quite sunburnt today, so having loads of kids climbing all over me was rather painful haha:) but I'll live.
Today we have also celebrated the 23rd anniversary of Kanlungan. It has been so nice that the two have coincided as we were able to have a devotion and celebration all together. I just find it so tearjerking every time I see the children worshiping and praising God. Despite all that they have been through, they are so reliant on God, it's so inspiring!
This evening we took all the staff out for a meal to a Japanese restaurant where one of the boys in Kanlungan works as the chef. We have had a lovely time and has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the staff even more and also to thank them for their continuous hard work and dedication.
I literally can't believe how quickly these past two weeks have gone. Heidi and I will be very sad to see Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec leave tomorrow, but we are very excited (and a little nervous) about moving into the Malate centre and actually getting stuck in now. We would really appreciate your prayers as we move in tomorrow and that we will quickly settle in and find our places and where we fit there.
It means so much to know that you are all supporting us and keeping us in your prayers. I really feel that this is where God wants us right now and I am very excited to see what he has in store for us.
God bless
Sarah xxxx
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers, they are very much appreciated.
We've had a lovely day today taking 170 kids swimming. I have to admit I thought it was going to be a bit of a nightmare; but it was amazing! Everyone has had so much fun. The resort was absolutely perfect; and because we went on a friday, we were practically the only ones there. It was just fantastic to see the smiles on the children's faces; it will be the first time that some of them have been swimming.
I have to say that I have got quite sunburnt today, so having loads of kids climbing all over me was rather painful haha:) but I'll live.
Today we have also celebrated the 23rd anniversary of Kanlungan. It has been so nice that the two have coincided as we were able to have a devotion and celebration all together. I just find it so tearjerking every time I see the children worshiping and praising God. Despite all that they have been through, they are so reliant on God, it's so inspiring!
This evening we took all the staff out for a meal to a Japanese restaurant where one of the boys in Kanlungan works as the chef. We have had a lovely time and has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the staff even more and also to thank them for their continuous hard work and dedication.
I literally can't believe how quickly these past two weeks have gone. Heidi and I will be very sad to see Mary, Mela, Jess and Alec leave tomorrow, but we are very excited (and a little nervous) about moving into the Malate centre and actually getting stuck in now. We would really appreciate your prayers as we move in tomorrow and that we will quickly settle in and find our places and where we fit there.
It means so much to know that you are all supporting us and keeping us in your prayers. I really feel that this is where God wants us right now and I am very excited to see what he has in store for us.
God bless
Sarah xxxx
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